Started From The Bottom, Now We Here

Posted on 2025, Fri Aug 29th, @ 9:38am by Vice Admiral Jack Reacher Jr & Rear Admiral Jacob Hawks Esq, SMH PMV & Commodore Bowen Parton

913 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Episode 2 "Demons of the Past, Friends of the Future" - USS Halo
Location: Halo-A and Bonaventure Ready Rooms
Timeline: 2.5 days into the Trip to Zeltras System

((Reachers office, Halo))

Reacher sat and contemplated what he would do now. He had just read the full set of orders he had recieved. He was going to be taking over command of all Starfleet operations in the Beta Quadrant. The new Theater Command was the first new command of its type to be created since the Dominion War. It was one of 5 active theater commands in Starfleet. He went back and read a portion to make sure he had read it correctly. Yes, he had. He would be allowed to assembled his own staff, including naming who would serve as his Deputy Commanders.

He thought about his options for a few minutes, he decided on a few choices for who he might want on his staff. The first person he called after Kate and the kids back at SB113 was his old friend Hawks. He knew that Jake had been given a hard time over his actions a few years prior during the search for his wife lost vessel. And it had certainly held Hawks back in terms of promotions. But now Jack was in a postion to help his old friend out, and also add a valuable addition to his currently empty staff.

"Jack, brother, I read earlier that some congratulations are in order. Theater commander, 3 pip Admiral. Well done sir." Hawks said as the subspace channel opened between their 2 vessels.

"Thanks Jake, its a big job, first new Theatre to be stood up since the Dom war and they pick me of all people to be its first Commanding Officer...and get this they're letting me build my own staff. So, I won't beat around the bush, how does a reassignment to the role of Deputy Commander for Operations of Titan Theatre and a bump up to Rear Admiral sounds to you? I need someone I can trust in the job and you have shown an odd ability to actually fill out paperwork on time..." He started laughing for a second the weight of his new assignment momentarily lifting.

"Wow...I mean...thats real generous...can I keep the Bonnie or would I have to exchange her for a fucking desk though?" Hawks replied sounding skeptical.

Reacher considered it for a second "If you can keep up with paperwork from your ready room on the Bonaventure, sure you can keep it."

"Hmm, well , you got yourself a Deputy Commander then Jack...now can I make my first reccomendation as your Deputy Commander?" Hawks grinned knowing Jack wasn't gonna like was he said next.

"Of course"

"Grab a runabout from the shuttle bay and get your fucking ass back to SB 113. You're not a Task Force commander anymore pal, you've gotta build a staff and operations plan, a support chain, general policies and orders, and integrate our new theater into Starfleets info sharing apparatus and 50 other things. And you won't be getting that done if you're having fun testing out your new toy. Plus you should go celebrate for a night with Kate and the kids. Sorry if it sounds blunt, but you know me, I'll give my honest opinion whether you like it or not."

Reacher took a deep breath and exhaled slowly he wanted to tell Hawks to fuck off and forget about the whole promotion for a half a second. But as he finished his sigh he realized Jake was right. There was a bunch of things he needed to do in the next week or 2 that he simply wouldnt be able to do from the Halo-A. "I hate it when you're right like this, only one worse then you is my wife for doing that too...I guess that means I made the right call...I'll hand the mission over to Parton, he doesnt have much else to do anyway. I trust House with the ship. Good call Jake, I'll grab a new Runabout and head back within the hour."

"And listening to me is why you'll be remembered as one of Starfleet finest fleet commanders. Call if you need anything, I'll start working on getting us a staff." Hawks said with a grin before hanging up.

Reacher could only smile at the arrogant joke "Asshole."


((Bridge, Halo))

Reacher walked out and found House and Parton sitting in the command area. As they saw the Admiral they both moved to stand up and change seats.

"As you were gentlemen. Stay seated, I've decided I'm going to take a runabout and head back to SB113. With the announcement about the new theatre being activated and me being placed in charge of it, there's alot of work I need to do, and Inwould just be getting in the way here. Bowen, I'd like you to take command of the mission, and House, as always I trust you with the ship itself." Reacher said.


"You decided. Not what I was told sir, From what I understood, you are currently AWOL, taking command of an active vessel before finishing the paper work and gaining approval to be an active field officer at your rank. There is a reason they say demoting Admiral Kirk was a blessing." The battle warn man stated. He had managed to get aboard via Jacks invitation and his Inteligence creditials, but this mission was a STI concern given the planets location and the reports he had seen, so he was the right person for the role now that Jack was going to set up his new HQ

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